In 2010 alone , there were roughly 1,100 attacks on U.S. fuel convoys . This has cost the men and women of our armed forces dearly .

Military officials recently reported that more than 3,000 uniformed soldiers and contractors died while protecting such missions in Iraq from 2003 to 2007 . But new Pentagon initiatives could dramatically reduce our battlefield fuel demand through the use of new clean energy technologies , helping save lives and stretch ever-scarce defense dollars .

The U.S. Department of Defense is one of the world 's largest institutional energy consumers . Using more than 300,000 barrels of oil daily , the U.S. military consumes more petroleum products than three-quarters of the countries in the world .

In fiscal year 2008 , energy cost the department about $ 17.9 billion . Leaders in the Pentagon , though , are up to the challenge .

The Defense Department played a key role in the development of the Internet , semiconductors and modern satellite-based navigation , used by virtually anyone with a smartphone . Now , as detailed in a recent report by the Pew Charitable Trusts , its efforts to improve vehicle efficiency and use advanced biofuels could similarly lead the way for countless U.S. businesses seeking a foothold in the burgeoning global clean energy economy .

Building on the work of an expert panel convened by the Defense Science Board , the Pentagon has called for a new technology development strategy aimed at reducing risk to soldiers and enhancing our nation 's overall long-term energy security . The department considers this one of its top strategic imperatives .

In keeping with this plan , the military has set a target of obtaining 25 % of its energy from renewable sources by 2025 , with 450 renewable energy projects already functioning .

For example , the Navy will soon test a hybrid electric drive system for the USS Truxtun , a guided missile destroyer , which will save 8,500 barrels of fuel annually . The Air Force made history last year with the first flight of a biomass-powered aircraft , the A-10C Thunderbolt II . And the Army has insulated roughly 9 million square feet of bases in Iraq and Afghanistan , reducing energy consumption by 77,000 gallons per day .

With more than 500,000 buildings and structures at major installations around the world , the Defense Department manages three times the square footage operated by Walmart . Since 1985 , it has reduced its facility energy consumption by more than 30 % .

The Army 's `` Net Zero '' program offers another case in point . The project aims to have select installations each produce as much as they consume in energy , water or waste by 2020 . Fort Carson and Fort Bliss , to name just two , will become Net Zero in all three areas .

Combined , these efforts could have a huge impact on U.S. operational security . On average , each deployed soldier requires 22 gallons of fuel per day . In fact , in Afghanistan alone , tens of millions of gallons of fuel must be delivered each month .

Yet , according to the U.S. Army , there is roughly one casualty for every 46 ground resupply convoys in Afghanistan . So reducing our reliance on oil could keep countless troops out of harm 's way .

This Pentagon initiative could also act as a catalyst for our nation 's growing clean energy economy . According to Pew 's report , the military 's sizable purchasing power could provide a crucial difference in helping technologies make the transition from the labs to the marketplace . In the process , badly needed jobs and manufacturing opportunities in the private sector also could be created across the nation .

The past decade has presented great challenges to our armed forces . They have responded with creativity , tenacity and courage . The Pentagon has been charged with managing two wars , helping establish more robust homeland security measures and responding to worldwide humanitarian emergencies .

Throughout these trying times , however , the military also has looked inside its own operations and developed a sound strategy to enhance America 's security and lessen our dependence on foreign fuels . Congress and the White House should match that effort and aid this endeavor to save American lives , money and energy .

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Phyllis Cuttino : Thousands of soldiers in Iraq were killed protecting fuel convoys

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Defense Department is one of biggest energy consumers in world , she writes

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Now , she says , military is playing key role in developing renewable energy sources

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Cuttino : Pentagon biofuel initiatives could also help U.S. businesses